Police seek information after children approached at Oxley Island

POLICE are appealing for information after a group of children was approached near Taree earlier this week.

POLICE are appealing for information after a group of children was approached near Taree earlier this week.

At about 3.45pm on Monday, June 9, a group of six children was standing outside a farm on Polsons Lane at Oxley Island, 18km east of Taree, when a white vehicle, possibly a van, drove past.

The vehicle drove down the road before turning around and stopping opposite the group.

The male driver spoke with the children, suggesting they go to his home.

A witness from a neighbouring property observed the vehicle acting suspiciously and drove down the street to check on the children.

The vehicle drove away and the children returned to the farm, alerting their parents to the incident.

The incident was reported to police from Manning-Great Lakes LAC - NSW Police Force on Tuesday, June 10 and officers commenced an investigation.

Detectives would now like to speak to anyone who may have seen a white van or sedan in the area between 3pm and 3.45pm on Monday.

Investigators are also interested in speaking to a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.

The man is described as being aged between 30 and 40 years old, with dark skin, a shaved head, and a dark moustache. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt and grey shorts.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Meanwhile, the incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the 'Safe People, Safe Places' messages with their children, including;

- Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.

- Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.

- Know where safe places are - a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.

- Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help - police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.

- Don't talk to people you don't know and never get into a car with someone you don't know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don't know the person inside, do not stop.

- If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.

- If someone tries to grab you, yell out, 'Go away, I don't know you'. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don't know.